Comparison of urban surface temperatures derived from in-situ and satellite TIR data with modeled 3D urban surface temperatures

Surface temperature, a key factor in the urban surface energy balance, influencing human thermal comfort, heat fluxes, and building energy use. Three-dimensional (3D) surface temperature is crucial for these applications, but satellite-derived land surface temperature (LST) has a directional view bias. 3D building energy balance models show potential in evaluating satellite view biases. Here, the VTUF-3D model (Nice et al., 2018, based on Krayenhoff and Voogt, 2007) is compared to ground-based thermal camera observations and satellite LST in Berlin, Germany.

During the urbisphere-Berlin campaign (Fenner et al., 2024), four Optris PI160 thermal cameras were mounted 80 m above ground level on a residential tower block to capture diverse urban surfaces. Emissivity correction was applied on the images. ASTER LST was retrieved in multiple locations in Berlin, covering a total area of 2 km².

VTUF-3D simulations used a 5 m grid resolution and material properties based on the Hertwig et al. (2025) approach. Forcing meteorological data came from the same site as the cameras.

For comparison with the cameras, sample facets (building facades and ground) were selected and the average temperature from the cameras was compared to the modelled temperature. Mean absolute error (MAE) is 3-8 K, with greater errors for surfaces such as glass or metal due to parametrization challenges.

To compare the model results against LST, near-nadir view was assumed allowing the consideration of horizontal facets only. VTUF-3D pixels were aggregated to satellite resolution (90 m) to allow comparison. MAE is 2-7 K (MBE > 0 K), with greater errors in vegetated areas.

Overall, VTUF-3D performs reasonably well, but its limitations must be considered during simulations for reliable results. Our simulations can help inform assessment of neighborhood-scale temperature variability, and support urban heat monitoring, climate resilience, and urban planning initiatives for city-wide heat management and sustainable development.